How Arizona's SB 1070 plays in California

In Southern California, generations of immigrants are creating an evolving definition of "American." Multi-American is your source for news, conversation and insight on this emerging regional and national identity.

Demonstrators outside Angel Stadium in Anaheim protesting Arizona's SB 1070 before the 81st Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 13.

California voters are sharply divided in their support for a controversial new Arizona anti-illegal immigration law that is set to take effect July 29. The results of a Field Poll released July 16 show a 49-45 percent split among California registered voters, with nearly half in favor of the law. Among other things the Arizona measure, known as SB 1070, empowers local law enforcement to check for immigration status; several lawsuits have been filed challenging the law, including a U.S. Department of Justice complaintchallenging it on constitutional grounds.

Native-born voters polled approve of the law 54 percent to 42 percent, while foreign-born voters oppose it 67 percent to 28 percent, more than a two to one margin. More California poll results can be found on the Field Research Corp. website.